Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Hosts of Iraqi, Syrian Refugees may Face Steep Medical Costs

by Dr. Enozia Vakil on May 26, 2014 at 5:10 PM
 Hosts of Iraqi, Syrian Refugees may Face Steep Medical Costs

A new study has found how Middle-Eastern countries that host refugees from Iraq and Syria may have to deal with a huge healthcare bill to tackle chronic diseases like cancer.

"The countries in the Middle East have welcomed millions of refugees, first Iraqis and now Syrians. The massive influx of refugees to these countries has stressed their national health systems at all levels," said the report in The Lancet medical journal.

Advertisement

Help from international organisations and donors has not been enough, and the cost burden "has disproportionately fallen upon the host governments," it said.

Jordan, for example, paid about $53 million (39 million euros) for refugee medical care in the first four months of 2013.

The paper said the world's response to humanitarian crises was largely based on experiences in refugee camps in sub-Saharan Africa, where infectious diseases and malnutrition were the main concerns.
Advertisement

In middle-income countries, levels of chronic diseases like cancer are higher -- and costlier per individual to treat.

Study author Paul Spiegel, the chief medical expert for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), called for "innovative financing schemes" to help.

"It could range from a fund that individuals and organisations could donate into, to health insurance or social schemes that exist for nationals in the host country," he told AFP by email.

"Refugees sometimes have livelihood opportunities and can pay for themselves, other times it could be UNHCR or other organisations."

The UNHCR recorded 35.8 million displaced people in 2012, according to the report, including 10.5 million refugees and 17.7 million internally displaced people.

Source: AFP
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Research News

South Korea's 2050 Forecast: Negative Growth Amid Low Fertility
South Korea's total fertility rate, averaging the number of children a woman aged 15-49 has in her lifetime, dropped to 0.81.
New Immunotherapy for Psoriasis & Vitiligo
Scientists identified mechanisms governing immune cells, selectively removing troublemakers to reshape skin immunity. Benefits those with psoriasis, vitiligo.
2050 Forecast: 1.06 Billion Individuals to Face 'Other' Musculoskeletal Disorders
By 2050, an anticipated increase from 494 million cases in 2020 to 1.06 billion people with musculoskeletal disabilities is expected.
Gene Therapies Can Disrupt Gaucher Disease Drug Market
Experts consulted by GlobalData anticipate a significant overhaul in the Gaucher disease scenario because of forthcoming gene therapies in development.
NASH Cases Expected to Hit 26.55 Million in 7MM by 2032
Within the seven major markets, 12% to 20% of diagnosed prevalent NASH cases present severe liver damage (stage 4 liver fibrosis), denoting cirrhosis.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Hosts of Iraqi, Syrian Refugees may Face Steep Medical Costs Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests